Firearm Retaining Harness

ABSTRACT

A firearm retaining harness is described comprising a shoulder portion and a transverse member. The shoulder portion is worn around a shoulder of an operator, while the transverse member wraps around the operator&#39;s chest. The shoulder portion and the transverse member may be releasably coupled to one another for putting on and removing the harness. A coupling slidably engages the transverse member on a first side, while is releasably coupled to a firearm on a second side. Because the coupling is slidably coupled to the transverse member, an operator may quickly move the firearm between a storage, ready, and active position. Since the transverse member is elastic, it is pulled taught when in an active position such that positive pressure is provided to the operator. Such positive pressure may reduce an amount of recoil, as well as provide stabilization during discharge of the firearm and faster target acquisition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, larger firearms (e.g. rifles, shotguns, machine guns, etc.) may become heavy when carried for long periods of time. In order to reduce fatigue from being carried, these larger firearms have been attached to slings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1A presents a front view of a firearm retaining harness;

FIG. 1B presents a rear view of the firearm retaining harness;

FIG. 2 presents a front view of the firearm retaining harness as worn;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the firearm retaining harness as worn with a firearm attached and in a ready position;

FIG. 4 depicts a rear view of the firearm retaining harness as worn with a firearm attached and in a storage, or carry, position;

FIG. 5 presents a side view of the firearm retaining harness as worn with a firearm attached and in a active, or shooting, position; and

FIG. 6 presents a flow chart depicting how such a firearm retaining harness may be utilized to quickly transition from one position to another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As above, when carried for long distances, larger firearms may generally be toted by an operator (or carrier) using a single strap, or sling. Such a strap does not allow the operator to quickly transition from a stored position to a firing position. The following detailed disclosure describes a firearm retaining harness which allows an operator to quickly transition between a storage, ready, and active position. As speed is a major contributor to an operator's capacity to save his life, or the life of another, such a harness may be able to save lives by providing a mechanism with which the firearm operator may quickly transition between a storage, ready, and active position.

As will be described in detail below, such a harness may generally comprise a shoulder portion and a chest, or transverse, member. In some examples, the shoulder portion comprises a shoulder member and an underarm member which are worn around an arm of an operator while the transverse member passes from around the operator from a ventral side to a dorsal side. In some examples, the transverse member may be elastic while the shoulder portion is not. A coupling (e.g. clip or otherwise) slidably engages the transverse portion and releasably engages and couples to a firearm. As such, the operator may quickly slide the firearm along the transverse member to move the firearm into any of a storage, ready, or active position. In a storage position, the operator may comfortably carry the firearm for long periods of time. In an active position, additional positive tension from the transverse member may aid in recoil and steady the firearm.

Such a harness may provide more maneuverability, offer a faster, less cumbersome way to disengage and reacquire the firearm while enhancing target recovery. Furthermore, such a harness as described herein may provide a comfortable resting position capable of transporting the weapon and easily transitioning to a combat ready position.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a firearm retaining harness 100. As shown, the harness 100 comprises a transverse member 102. As will be described in detail below, such a transverse member 102 may support a large firearm when carried, while providing constant positive tension when in use. In some examples, the transverse member 102 is a flexible elastic material. As non-limiting examples, the transverse member 102 may be a ballistic nylon material, neoprene, paracord, polyurethane-polyurea copolymer (commonly referred to as Spandex, Lycra, or elastane) material, leather, a stretch version of cotton, organic cotton, silk, polyester, acrylic, a blend of materials, and the like.

A shoulder portion of the harness 100 may be defined by shoulder member 110 and an underarm member 108. In some examples, the shoulder portion (i.e. shoulder member 110 and underarm member 108) may be made of a different material than the transverse member 102. In such examples, the material may be a ballistic nylon material, neoprene, paracord, leather, polyurethane-polyurea copolymer (commonly referred to as Spandex, Lycra, or elastane) material, a stretch version of cotton, organic cotton, silk, polyester, acrylic, or a blend, though any other material is contemplated. The material should be selected and dimensioned such that the shoulder portion can be worn over an operator's shoulder and support the weight of a large firearm.

Though depicted in FIG. 1 as associated with the shoulder member 110, one or more of the shoulder member 110, the underarm member 108, or the transverse member 102 may be adjustable. As illustrated, the shoulder portion 110 may have additional material 112 such that a length of the shoulder member 110 may be adjusted. Though any adjustment mechanism is contemplated, the adjustment is shown for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 1A and 1B as a reducer 114. In some examples, such a shoulder portion and/or transverse member 102 may be custom fitted.

The shoulder portion 110 and the underarm portion 108 may be joined in one or more ways. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, shoulder member 110 and underarm portion 108 may be sewn to themselves about clips 116 and 118. Either clips 116 and/or 118 may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, an industry standard alloy, or the like. In some examples, shoulder member 110 and underarm member 108 may be sewn, or otherwise affixed, directly to one another. In those examples where one or more of the transverse member 102, shoulder member 110, or underarm member 108 are adjustable, one side may not be sewn about clips 116 or 118 so that the length may be adjusted via, for example, reducer 114.

In some examples, the transverse member 102 may be affixed to a shoulder portion at joints 105 a and 105 b. Such joints 105 a and 105 b may provide connection between the transverse member 102 and a ventral member 106 and a dorsal member 104. Such joints may be stitches, adhesives, bonds, or otherwise which may secure the transverse member 102 to the dorsal member 104 and ventral member 106. In some examples, the ventral member 106 and dorsal member 104 may be the same material as either the shoulder member 110 or the underarm member 108. The ventral member 106 and the dorsal member 104 may be joined at clips 116 and 118, as the shoulder member 110 and the underarm member 108 described in detail above. In some examples, the transverse member 102 may be joined to the shoulder portion directly, whether via clips 116 and 118, or at joints of one or more of the shoulder member 110 or underarm member 108. Though depicted as solid members in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some examples clips 116 and 118 may releasably couple to the shoulder member 110 and the underarm member 108 (e.g. having a spring loaded opening, or otherwise). As a non-limiting example, such a clip 116 or 118 may be a carabiner. In such an example, the harness 100 may be easily put on or removed by an operator.

In some examples, a coupling 120 is provided to couple the harness 100 to a firearm. The coupling 120 comprises an upper portion 120 a and a lower portion 120 b. The upper portion 120 a may have a recess, hole, or otherwise to slidably couple to the transverse member 102 (e.g. by threading). As such, the upper portion 120 a may slide freely about transverse member 102 while providing sufficient support such that the transverse member 102 may support a large firearm via coupling 120. The lower portion 120 b may releasably couple with a firearm. As a non-limiting example, such a lower portion 120 b may be a spring-loaded clip which is naturally in a closed position and opened when pressure is applied. In such an example, an operator may open and close the lower portion 120 b to couple the coupling 120 to a firearm. In some examples, the upper portion 120 a may be rotatably coupled to the lower portion 120 b so that an orientation of the upper portion 120 a may be independent from an orientation of the lower portion 120 b. As such, a firearm coupled to the harness 100 via the coupling 120 may be moved along the transverse member 102 in a natural position. The coupling 120 may be made of any material capable of supporting the weight of a large firearm. In some examples, the coupling 120 is made of one of aluminum, stainless steel, an industry standard alloy, or the like. Though illustrated as a clip in FIG. 1, such a coupling 120 need not be limited as such.

FIG. 2 shows an example 200 of an operator 210 wearing the firearm retaining harness 100. In example 200 of FIG. 2, the operator 210 has put a left arm through the shoulder portion such that the shoulder member 110 runs over the shoulder of the operator 210 and the underarm member 108 runs under the left arm of the operator 210. The harness 100 is tightened by pulling on additional material 112 until the harness 100 is tightly about the shoulder. As indicated, the transverse member 102 runs along the chest of the operator 210 and along the back of the operator 210. In some examples, padding 150 may be affixed to the harness 100 to provide comfort to the operator 210. As illustrated, the coupling 120 may be positioned to be in front of the operator 210 to easily attach a firearm.

FIG. 3 shows an example 300 of a firearm 310 coupled to the harness 100. Though not visible in the illustration, the firearm 310 is coupled to the harness 100 via coupling 120. As shown, the transverse member 102 may deform slightly due to its elasticity and the weight of the firearm 310. Such a position of the firearm 310 with respect to the operator 210 may be referred to as a ready position. In such a position, the operator 210 may quickly draw up the firearm 310 to an active state, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5. Additionally, or alternatively, the operator 210 may just as easily slide the firearm 310 via the coupling 120 along the transverse member 102 to a storage position, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows an example 400 of an operator 210 carrying a firearm 310 in a storage position. As shown, the transverse member 102 may deform slightly due to its elasticity and the weight of the firearm 310. In such a state, the operator 210 may quickly move, run, walk, jump, or otherwise move while carrying the firearm 310 (i.e. without holding the firearm 310 by either hand). Because the weight of the firearm 310 is distributed over the shoulder portion, the operator 210 may carry the firearm 310 in such a state for long periods of time without fatigue.

FIG. 5 shows an example 500 of an operator 210 carrying a firearm 310 in an active position. As illustrated, when the firearm 310 is in an active state, the operator 210 is holding the firearm 310 to discharge it. By abutting the firearm 310 against a shoulder of the operator 210, the transverse member 102 may be pulled taught. Due to the elasticity of the transverse member 102, positive tension applied to the firearm 310 may aid in aiming by keeping the firearm steady. Such positive tension may reduce recoil and steady an aim of the operator 210.

FIG. 6 depicts a process 600 illustrating how an operator may employ the firearm retaining harness to provide for quick switching between multiple states.

At 610, an operator may put on a harness, ensure a tight fit of the harness, and couple a firearm to the harness via the coupling (e.g. coupling 120).

At 612, the operator may decide in which state to store the firearm. In some examples, the decision made at 612 comprises deciding if the operator is in an “inactive” state, an “on alert” state, or a “firing” state.

At 614, if the operator is carrying or intends to carry the firearm (i.e. is inactive), the operator may transition the firearm to the storage position by sliding the firearm to the back of the operator via the transverse member.

At 616, if the operator is ready to engage a target, or believes a target may be in the vicinity, (i.e. is on alert), the operator may transition the firearm to the ready position by sliding the firearm to the front of the operator via the transverse member. In some examples, the operator may hold the firearm in a downward position (or otherwise hold the firearm other than in a position to take aim at a target).

At 618, if the operator is ready to fire the firearm (i.e. is firing), the operator may transition the firearm to the active position by lifting the firearm to a position to take aim (or sight) of a target. By taking aim at an object, the operator may pull the transverse member taught and, as such, provide positive tension to reduce recoil and steady the firearm.

At 620, the operator may decide if the firearm is still in use. If so, the process 600 may return to 612. Otherwise, the process 600 may proceed to 622.

At 622, the operator may detach the firearm from the harness by detaching (e.g. unclipping, or otherwise uncoupling) the firearm from the coupling.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

1. A harness comprising: a shoulder portion, the shoulder portion comprising a shoulder member and an underarm member, which, when the harness is worn by a wearer, the shoulder member passes from a first area about a chest of the wearer over a shoulder of the wearer to a second area about a back of the wearer and the underarm member passes from the first area under a first arm of the wearer to the second area; a transverse member, the transverse member, when worn by the wearer, passes from the first area, under a second arm of the wearer, and to the second area without passing under the first arm; and a coupling comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the transverse member is elastic and thread through a hole in the upper portion such that the upper portion is free to slide along the transverse member from the first area to the second area, the lower portion is configured to releasably couple to a firearm, and the upper portion and the lower portion freely rotate about one another.
 2. The harness of claim 1, wherein the elastic material is one of polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, polyester, ballistic nylon, neoprene, or acrylic.
 3. The harness of claim 1, wherein a firearm is coupled to the coupling at the lower portion.
 4. The harness of claim 3, wherein the transverse member provides a positive tension when a firearm coupled to the coupling device is in an active position.
 5. The harness of claim 1, wherein the shoulder portion comprises leather.
 6. The harness of claim 1, wherein the shoulder potion comprises a woven material, the woven material comprising cotton, cotton blend, organic cotton, silk, silk blend, polyester, polyester blend, acrylic, acrylic blend.
 7. The harness of claim 1, wherein the coupling comprises aluminum, stainless steel, or an industry standard alloy.
 8. The harness of claim 1, wherein the shoulder portion is formed by sewing a first end of the shoulder member to itself about a first clip, sewing a first end of the underarm member to itself about the first clip, sewing a second end of the shoulder member to itself about a second clip, and sewing a second end of the underarm member to itself about the second clip.
 9. The harness of claim 8, wherein a first end of a ventral member is sewn to itself about the first clip, a first end of a dorsal member is sewn to itself about the second clip, a second end of the ventral member is affixed to a first end of the transverse member, and a second end of the dorsal member is affixed to a second end of the transverse member.
 10. The harness of claim 8, wherein one or more of the first clip or the second clip is a carabiner.
 11. The harness of claim 1, wherein the harness is dimensioned to be worn by an operator such that an arm of the operator passes through the shoulder portion and the transverse member secures the harness to the operator about a chest of the operator.
 12. A method for carrying a firearm, the method comprising: attaching a firearm to a harness via a coupling, the coupling having an upper portion and a lower portion, the harness configured to hold the firearm in a storage position, a ready, and an active position; transitioning the firearm from a first position to a second position along a transverse member, the first position and the second position each comprising the storage position, the ready, or the active position and the first position differing from the second position; determining if the firearm is still in use; and detaching, via the coupling, the firearm from the harness based on determining if the firearm is not still in use, wherein the upper portion of the coupling slides freely from a first side of the harness to a second side of the harness about the transverse member of the harness, wherein the first side is proximate a chest of a user wearing the harness, wherein the second side is proximate a back of the user, wherein the transverse member passes from the first side, under a first arm of the user, to the second side, without passing under a second arm of the user, and wherein the storage position comprises hanging the firearm along the back of the user, the ready position comprises the user holding the firearm to a side of the user, and the active position comprises the user aiming the firearm with the transverse member providing positive tension.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first position is the active position and the second position is the storage position; and wherein transitioning the firearm to the storage position comprises sliding the firearm, via the coupling, along the transverse member to the second side such that the firearm is held in place along the back of the operator without the operator holding the firearm with either hand.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein transitioning to a ready state comprises sliding the firearm, via the coupling, along the transverse member to the first side, the operator holding the firearm with one or more hands.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein transitioning to an active state comprises: bringing the firearm up into a shoulder of the operator; and taking aim at an object.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a positive tension is created in the transverse member after transitioning to the active state.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein based at least in part on determining that the firearm is still in use, the method is repeated.
 18. A system comprising: a shoulder portion, the shoulder portion comprising a shoulder member and an underarm member, the shoulder member and underarm member joined about a first clip on a first side proximate a chest of a user wearing the system and a second clip on a second side proximate a back of the user, the underarm member passing under a first arm of the user; a dorsal member, a first end of the dorsal member joined to the shoulder portion about the first clip; a ventral member, a first end of the ventral member joined to the shoulder portion about the second clip; a transverse member, a first end of the transverse member joined to a second end of the ventral member and a second end of the transverse member joined to a second end of the dorsal member; and a coupling, the coupling comprising an upper portion and a lower portion rotatably coupled to the upper portion, wherein the upper portion is slidably coupled to the transverse member such that the upper portion slides along transverse member from the first side to the second side, the lower portion configured to releasably couple to a firearm.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the transverse member is elastic and comprises polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, polyester, ballistic nylon, neoprene, or acrylic, and further wherein the shoulder portion comprises leather, cotton, cotton blend, organic cotton, silk, silk blend, polyester, polyester blend, acrylic, acrylic blend.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the lower portion is coupled to a firearm. 